Dispenser apparatus and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A dispensing apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical housing, and attachment means adapted for attaching the housing to a support structure, such as an intravenous tubing line. The housing can contain a plurality of planar, interconnected items that are rolled up into a single roll. The interconnected items can be a plurality of individually packaged items, such as sanitizing wipes, which the each individual package is attached to another individual package along a line of perforation. A rolling mechanism can be mounted in the housing that supports the roll of wipes thereon and facilitates rotation of the roll.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/211,148, filed Aug. 28, 2015, and which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus. One embodimentof the invention comprises an apparatus adapted for dispensing sterilewipes, such as pads soaked in isopropyl alcohol, which can be mounted onan intravenous (IV) tubing line. Another embodiment of the inventioncomprises a dispenser apparatus that can be attached to a person'sclothing. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a dispenserapparatus that can be attached to a lanyard worn by the user. Yetanother embodiment of the invention comprises a dispenser apparatus thatcan be mounted on a wall.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Healthcare professionals routinely use sanitizing wipes to clean anddisinfect areas of a patient's body to prevent infections. For example,prior to insertion of an intravenous line into a patient, the healthcareprofessional typically wipes the area of the patient's body that is tobe pierced with a pad soaked with a disinfectant liquid, such asisopropyl alcohol. Generally, such pads are individually wrapped andstored at various places, such as drawers and cabinets. A supply of thewipes is typically maintained in each room in which they are to be used,or else the healthcare professional must remember to bring a supply withhim or her into the room in which they are to be used on the patient. Ifthe supply of wipes runs out, or the healthcare professional forgets tohave a supply on hand, the healthcare professional must leave the roomor unlock a stocked cabinet to find a container of wipes. This canrequire the healthcare professional to spend valuable time away from thepatient and delay urgent medical treatment. In addition, knownsanitizing wipes are typically individually wrapped in packaging thatgenerally requires two free hands to open. Due to the nature of medicaltreatment, it can be difficult and cumbersome for a healthcareprofessional to dedicate both hands to the task of opening the packagingand removing the pad from the packaging.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide adispensing apparatus that can dispense individually packaged items, suchas sanitizing wipes, and can be attached to a support structure, such asmedical equipment used by healthcare professionals. Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a dispensing apparatus, in which auser can remove an individually packaged wipe from its packaging usingonly one hand. These and other objects of the invention can be achievedin various embodiments of the invention described herein.

One embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus for dispensing aplurality of applicator wipes comprising a generally cylindrical housingadapted for containing a roll of applicator wipes, and having adispensing opening formed therein such that an applicator wipe containedin the housing can be grasped and pulled out of the housing. Theapparatus includes attachment means for attaching the housing to asupport structure, such as an intravenous (IV) tubing line, a lanyard ora wall.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a rolling mechanism ispositioned within the interior of the housing, which facilitatesrotation of the roll of applicator wipes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing has firstand second opposed longitudinal ends, and the rolling mechanismcomprises a rod positioned in a first cavity positioned proximate thefirst end of the housing and a second cavity positioned proximate thesecond end of the housing.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing openingis defined by a dispensing lip extending outwardly from the housing. Thedispensing lip comprises a first edge section and a second edge sectionin spaced apart relation and substantially parallel to the first edgesection. The first and second edge sections define a slit sized toreceive a single applicator wipe there through.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing openingis defined by a first cut away section formed in the housing. The firstcut away section is in communication with the first edge section, anddefines a first exposed area of the housing that can receive a firstfinger of a user.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing openingis further defined by a second cut away section formed in the housing.The second cut away section is in communication with the second edgesection, and defines a second exposed area of the housing adapted forreceiving a second finger of a user.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the attachment memberscan be releasably attached to a support structure, and the supportstructure can be an intravenous tubing line, a cord, a string, a snapfastener, or a wall.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the attachment meanscomprises at least one attachment member extending outwardly from thehousing, and which defines an arcuate cavity sized and shaped to receiveand releasably engage an intravenous tubing line.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the attachment meanscomprises at least one eyelet positioned on the housing.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the attachment meanscomprises at least one attachment member extending outwardly from thehousing that is adapted for engaging a complimentary fastener attachedto a wall.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a dispensing apparatuscomprising a generally cylindrical housing, and a roll of connectedindividual packages, in which each individual package is connected toanother individual package along a line of perforation. A dispensingopening is formed in the housing and is adapted for dispensing one ofthe individual packages, and the housing includes at least oneattachment member adapted for attaching the housing to a supportstructure.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing has firstand second opposed longitudinal ends, and a rotatable rod is positionedin a first cavity positioned proximate the first end of the housing, anda second cavity positioned proximate the second end of the housing. Therotatable rod supports the roll of applicator wipes and facilitatesrotation of the roll of applicator wipes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each individualpackage contains a sanitizing wipe, antiseptic wipe, cleaning wipe,and/or moisturizing wipe.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing openingis defined by a dispensing lip extending outwardly from the housing, thedispensing lip comprising a first edge section and a second edge sectionin spaced apart relation and substantially parallel to the first edgesection, the first and second edge sections defining a slit sized toreceive one of the individual packages there through and facilitatingtearing of the individual package along the line of perforation.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing openingis defined by a first cut away section formed in the housing. The firstcut away section is in communication with the first edge section, anddefines a first exposed area exposing one of the individual packagescontained within the housing, such that a user can place a first finger,such as a thumb, on one of the individual packages.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing openingis further defined by a second cut away section formed in the housing.The second cut away section is in communication with the second edgesection, and defines a second exposed area exposing one of theindividual packages contained within the housing, such that a user canplace a second finger, such as the user's index finger, on one of theindividual packages.

According to another embodiment of the invention, first and secondattachment members are positioned on the housing about 180 degrees fromthe dispensing opening. Each of the first and second attachment membersinclude an arcuate cavity that is sized and shaped to receive andreleasably engaging an intravenous tubing line.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing has firstand second opposed longitudinal ends, and the attachment means includesa first eyelet positioned on the housing proximate the firstlongitudinal end and a second eyelet positioned on the housing proximatethe second longitudinal end.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includesa fastening device containing a retractable cord that is attached to aneyelet formed on the housing.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a dispensing apparatuscomprising a generally cylindrical housing comprising first and secondbody sections that are releasably attached to each other, and a roll ofindividual packages contained within the interior of the housing. Theuser can access the interior of the housing by disengaging the first andsecond body sections. A dispensing opening is formed in the housingthrough which the individual packages are dispensed.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus fordispensing sanitizing wipes that is adapted for being mounted on anintravenous (IV) tubing line. The apparatus comprises a housing forcontaining sterile, sanitizing wipes and attachment means for attachingthe housing to the IV tubing line. The attachment means can comprise apair of attachment members positioned at opposite ends of the housingthat can be attached to the IV tubing line. The housing contains aplurality of packaged, releasably attached sterile sanitizing wipes,such as isopropyl alcohol pads, that are rolled onto a rolling mechanismpositioned within the housing. The housing includes a slit openingthrough which the pads can be pulled through.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the pads areperforated, and the first pad on the roll can be pulled through the slitopening and torn along the perforation line, thereby providing a singlepad opened from its packaging and ready for use, leaving the remainingpads within the housing.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a wipes dispensingapparatus that is adapted to be attached to clothing worn by the user.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a dispensing apparatusthat is releasably attached to a lanyard that can be worn by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a dispenser apparatus according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1,taken along lines 7A-7A in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1,taken along lines 7B-7B in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1,shown including a roll of applicator wipes contained in the dispenserapparatus;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the roll of applicator wipes shown inFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an environmental perspective view of dispenser apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is another environmental perspective view of dispenser apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a dispenser apparatus according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is another environmental perspective view of the dispenserapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a dispenser apparatus according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is another exploded view of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 15;and

FIG. 19 is an environmental perspective view of a dispenser apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

A dispenser apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, and shown generally at referencenumeral 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a substantially cylindricalhousing 12, and attachment means adapted for attaching the housing 12 toa support structure, such as an intravenous (IV) tubing line 50, asshown in FIG. 10.

The housing 12 is adapted for containing a plurality of planar,interconnected items that are rolled up into a single roll. Theinterconnected items can be a plurality of individually packaged items,such as applicator wipes, in which the each individual package isattached to another individual package along a line of perforation. Asused herein, “applicator wipes” refers generally to any wipe, pad orlike item made of paper, cloth, non-woven fibers or other suitablematerial that has been soaked, sprayed, bathed, saturated or otherwisetreated with a liquid substance, such as a cleaning, sanitizing,disinfecting, or moisturizing solution, and can be used to apply theliquid substance to a person, animal or object.

The attachment means can be comprised of a pair of outwardly extendingattachment members 30, 40 positioned proximate opposite ends of thehousing 12, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. Each attachment member 30, 40comprises an upper segment 31, 41, respectively, and a lower segment 32,42, respectively. The upper segments 31, 41 and lower segments 32, 42together define an arcuate cavity 33, 43, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and8. The arcuate cavities 33, 43 are sized and shaped to receive andfrictionally engage the IV tubing line 50, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The housing 12 and the attachment members 30, 40 can be made of plasticor other suitable material. The attachment members 30, 40 can beintegrally formed with the housing 12, to form a single unitary piece.The housing 12 and the attachment members 30, 40 can be made byinjection molding, three dimensional printing, or other suitable method.Alternatively, the attachment members 30, 40 can be separate piecesattached to the housing 12 by an adhesive, or other suitable attachmentmeans.

The housing 12 contains a plurality of individually packaged, releasablyattached applicator wipes 20. The applicator wipes 20 can be sterilesanitizing wipes comprised of paper, cloth, non-woven fibers and/orother suitable material that is soaked in a disinfecting solution, suchas a solution of 60-99% isopropyl alcohol in water. Other disinfectingsolutions include a solution of 70% ethanol in water, and 3% hydrogenperoxide in water. Each wipe 20 is packaged in its own packaging, andthe individual packages are connected to each other in linear fashionand rolled up into a single roll 21, as shown in FIG. 9. The pluralityof individual wipe 20 packages are connected by lines of perforation 22,as shown in FIG. 9.

The apparatus 10 can include a rolling mechanism that supports andfacilitates rotation of the roll 21 of wipes 20. The rolling mechanismcan comprise a rolling member, such as a rotatable rod 14, that ismounted in apertures 15, 17 formed at opposite ends of the interior ofthe housing, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The connected wipes 20 arerolled onto the rod 14 mounted inside the housing 12, as shown in FIG.7B.

The housing 12 includes a dispensing opening 16, shown in FIG. 3,through which the wipes 20 can be pulled through. The dispensing opening16 is defined by a dispensing lip section 19 formed on the housing 12and extending outwardly therefrom, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Thedispensing lip 16 is located on the housing 12 about 180 degrees fromthe attachment members 30, 40, as shown in FIG. 5. The lip section 19comprises first and second spaced apart edge sections 24, 26, as shownin FIGS. 3 and 6. The edge sections 24, 25 are substantially parallel toeach other and define a slit 25 sized to receive one of the packagedapplicator wipes there through, as shown in FIG. 10.

First and second cut away sections 28, 29 are formed in the housing 12.The first cut away section 28 is substantially “U” shaped and incommunication with the first edge section 24, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and6. The second cut away section 29 is substantially “U” shaped and incommunication with the second edge section 26, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3and 6. Preferably, the first cut away section 28 is substantially deeperthan the second cut away section 29, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Thefirst cut away 28 section provides an exposed area 18 that exposes thefirst applicator wipe 20 of the roll 21 of applicator wipes 20 containedin the housing 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. The second cut awaysection 29 provides a smaller exposed area 23, as shown in FIGS. 1 and2. The first exposed area 18 provides an opening where a user can placea finger, such as a thumb 61, onto the lead off applicator wipe 20, andthe second exposed area 23 allows the user to place another finger, suchas the index finger 62, onto the opposite side of the lead off wipe 20,and the user can pull the lead off wipe 20 out of the housing 12 throughthe slit 16.

Once a single wipe 20 has been pulled fully out of the housing 12, theuser can tear it off from the rest of the wipes 20 remaining within thehousing 12 along its line of perforation 22, as shown in FIGS. 10 and11. The first and second edge sections 24, 26 provide stable surfacesagainst which the wipe 20 can be torn using only one hand, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. This results in a single wipe 20 that is detached fromthe remaining connected wipes 20, with its packaging opened and readyfor use.

The housing 12 can hold multiple pre-packaged wipes 20 perforatedtogether in a single line and rolled onto the rolling member 14 thatdispenses upon a person physically pulling a wipe 20 from the housing 12and breaking the perforated tabs manually. The apparatus 10 can be adisposable, one-time use unit that is discarded when all wipes 20 withinthe housing 12 have been used.

The housing 12 can include a pair of eyelets 11, 13 formed on thehousing 12 at opposite longitudinal ends of the housing 12, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The eyelets 11, 13 can be integrally formed with thehousing 12 as a single unitary piece, such as by injection molding.Alternatively, the eyelets 11, 13 can be separate pieces attached to thehousing 12 by an adhesive, or other suitable attachment means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispenser apparatus 10can be attached on the IV line 50 near the port site. The apparatus 10should be attached on the IV line 50 at a position where the apparatus10 does not impede extensive view of the flowing fluid in the IV line50, and does not pinch the tubing thereby impeding flow of the IV line50. The apparatus 10 should be positioned such that it is highly visibleand conveniently located to the source of use (port area). The apparatus10 should be attached at a position on the IV line, in which it can beeasily added and removed from IV line 50.

The apparatus 10 can be used for every patient with an initial IVplacement connected to an IV bag and tubing, and other applications asper the discretion of the healthcare professional. The dispenserapparatus 10 can be referred to and marketed as an “I-Wipe”. The outsidepackaging of the pre-packaged wipes 20 can be labeled with “I-Wipe”.Either portions or the entirety of the housing 12 and the packaging ofthe wipes 20 can have a distinctively bright color, such as red, to drawattention to the healthcare professional and remind him or her to stop,disinfect, inject. For patient advocacy purposes, there can also beother items with “I-Wipe” printed on them to reinforce the message tothe healthcare providers of the importance of wiping ports and othersterilizing applications.

The dispenser apparatus 10 allows convenient access to alcohol wipes forthe healthcare professional on IV tubing to reduce the risk of infectionand increase productivity. The apparatus 10 supplies disinfecting wipes20, and also provides a more convenient and hard stop reminder forhealthcare professionals to think about the safe IV infusion practice ofwiping the port for fifteen seconds prior to injecting a medication. Theapparatus 10 can also be used for sterilization applications other thanIV infusion.

A dispenser apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, and shown generally atreference numeral 100. The dispenser apparatus 100 comprises a generallycylindrical housing 112 identical in structure to the housing 12 of thepreviously described dispenser apparatus 10. In addition, the apparatus100 includes a fastening member 150 that is connected to the housing112, and is adapted for attaching to clothing or other supportstructure.

The housing 112 contains a plurality of packaged, releasably attachedapplicator wipes 120. Each wipe 120 is packaged in its own packaging,and the individual packages are connected to each other in linearfashion. The plurality of individual wipe 120 packages are connected byperforated lines. The connected packaged wipes 120 are rolled onto acylindrical rolling member positioned inside the housing 112. As shownin FIG. 13, the first wipe 120′ on the roll can be pulled through thedispensing opening 116 and torn along the perforation 122, whichconnects the first wipe 120′ to a second wipe 120 still contained withinthe housing 112.

The fastening member 150 contains a retractable cord 154, as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. An end of the retractable cord 154 can be attached to asnap fastener 152 that is received through the either one of the eyelets111, 113 on the housing 112 of the dispenser 100, thereby connecting thehousing 112 to the fastening member 150.

The fastening member 150 includes attachment means for releasablyattaching the fastening member 150 onto the clothing of a user. Theattachment means can be an adhesive, a spring loaded clip, a pin, one ormore magnets, or other suitable fasteners. The fastening member 150 canalso be attached to items other than clothing.

The retractable cord 154 is housed within the body of the fasteningmember 150, and the exposed end of the retractable cord 154 is attachedto the snap fastener 152, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The retractablecord 154 can be pulled out of the fastening member 150, as shown in FIG.13. This allows for freedom of movement of the apparatus 100, whilestill remaining connected to the clothing of the user. For example, theattachment member 150 can be attached to the chest area of the user, andwhen the user needs a wipe 120, the user can grasp the dispenser housing112, and pull the housing 112 to a position that is comfortable forremoving a wipe 120.

When all wipes 120 in the dispenser housing 112 have been used, thehousing 112 can be detached from the snap fastener 152, and discarded. Anew dispenser housing 112 with a fresh supply of wipes 120 can then beattached to the snap fastener 152. As such, the dispenser housing 112can be disposable, while the attachment member 150 is reusable.

A dispenser apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIG. 14, and shown generally at referencenumeral 200. The dispenser apparatus 200 comprises a dispenser housing212 attached to a lanyard 250.

The housing 212 is identical in structure to housing 12 of thepreviously descripted dispenser apparatus 10. The housing 212 containsapplicator wipes 220 perforated together in a single line and rolledonto a rolling member that dispenses upon a person physically pulling awipe 220 from the housing 212 and breaking the perforated tabs manually.

The dispenser housing 212 is attached to the lanyard 250 by running thelanyard 250 through the eyelets 211, 213 formed on the housing 212, asshown in FIG. 14. Alternatively, the lanyard 250 can include a fastener,such as an alligator clamp, that engages one of the eyelets 211, 213 ofthe housing. The lanyard 250 can be worn around the neck of a healthcareprofessional. The lanyard 250 can also be used to carry other items,such as a hospital identification tag 270. The dispenser housing 212 canbe disposable. As such, when all wipes 220 have been used, the dispenserhousing 212 can be removed from the lanyard 250, and replaced with a newhousing having a fresh supply of wipes 220.

A dispenser apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 15-18, and shown generally atreference numeral 300. The dispenser apparatus 300 is identical instructure to the previously described apparatus 10, except thatdispenser apparatus 300 comprises a housing 312 that is comprised of apair of releasably attached body sections 312 a, 312 b havingcomplementary fasteners 301, 302, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

Each housing body section 312 a, 312 b includes complementary fastenersadapted for releasable engagement to each other. As shown in FIGS. 17and 18, the body sections 312 a, 312 b have outwardly extending pins 301and complementary apertures 302 positioned within the interior of thebody sections 312 a, 312 b such that the pins 301 are received andfrictionally engaged in the apertures 302 when one body section 312 a isproperly positioned on the other body section 312 b. As such, when allapplicator wipes 320 have been removed from the apparatus 300 thehousing 312 can be opened by pulling apart body sections 312 a, 312 b,and a new roll of applicator wipes can be positioned therein.

The apparatus 300 can include a rolling mechanism comprising a rotatablerod 314 mounted in apertures 315, 317 formed at opposite ends of theinterior of the housing, as shown in FIG. 17, which supports andfacilitates rotation of the roll of applicator wipes 320. When a roll ofwipes 320 has been exhausted, the housing body sections 312 a, 312 b canbe separated and the rod 314 removed from the housing 312. A new roll ofwipes is positioned on the rod 314, which is placed back onto theapertures 315, 317, and the housing body sections 312 a, 312 b arejoined together again by the engagement of the complementary fasteners301, 302.

A dispenser apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIG. 19, and shown generally at referencenumeral 400. The dispenser apparatus 400 is adapted for attachment to awall 450, as shown in FIG. 19. The dispenser apparatus 400 comprises ahousing 412 that is structurally similar to the previously describedhousing 12, except that the housing 412 includes attachment members 430,440 that are adapted to engage fasteners 452 mounted on a wall. As shownin FIG. 19, knobs 452 can be mounted on the wall, and each of theattachment members 430, 440 can include a cavity shaped and sized forreceiving the knobs 452. As such, the attachment members 430, 440 areslid onto the knobs 452 protruding outwardly from the wall 450, therebyattaching the dispenser apparatus 400 to the wall 450. The dispenserapparatus 400 dispenses a plurality of applicator wipes 420.

While embodiments of the invention are described above as being used todispense sanitizing wipes for use in the medical field, the invention isnot so limited. Embodiments of the invention described above candispense a variety of applicator wipes adapted for applying a variety ofsubstances, such as insect repellent, sunscreen, aloe, moisturizingcreams, lens cleaner, nail polish remover, cuticle oil, perfume,essential oils, makeup remover, shampoo, hair oil, hair gel, dish soap,deodorant, and personal lubricant. Also, the invention is not limited touse with wipes and the like. Embodiments of the invention describedabove can be used to dispense a variety of packaged items, such asblotting papers, clothing refreshers and condoms.

A dispenser apparatus and method of using same is described above.Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from itsscope. The above description of the embodiments and best mode of theinvention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and notlimitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for dispensing a plurality ofapplicator wipes comprising: (a) a generally cylindrical housing adaptedfor containing a roll of applicator wipes, the housing having adispensing opening formed therein whereby an applicator wipe containedin the housing can be grasped and pulled out of the housing; and (b)attachment means for attaching the housing to a support structure. 2.The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rollingmechanism positioned within an interior space of the housing and adaptedfor facilitating rotation of the roll of applicator wipes.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the housing defines first andsecond opposed longitudinal ends, and the rolling mechanism comprises arod positioned in a first cavity positioned proximate the first end ofthe housing and a second cavity positioned proximate the second end ofthe housing.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thedispensing opening is defined by a dispensing lip extending outwardlyfrom the housing, the dispensing lip comprising a first edge section anda second edge section in spaced apart relation and substantiallyparallel to the first edge section, the first and second edge sectionsdefining a slit sized to receive a single applicator wipe there through.5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the dispensing opening isfurther defined by a first cut away section formed in the housing, thefirst cut away section in communication with the first edge section anddefining a first exposed area of the housing adapted for receiving afirst finger of a user.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, whereinthe dispensing opening is further defined by a second cut away sectionformed in the housing, the second cut away section in communication withthe second edge section and defining a second exposed area of thehousing adapted for receiving a second finger of a user.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprisesat least one selected from the group consisting of an intravenous tubingline, a cord, a string, a snap fastener, and a wall.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises at leastone attachment member extending outwardly from the housing and definingan arcuate cavity adapted for receiving and releasably engaging anintravenous tubing line.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe attachment means comprises at least one eyelet positioned on thehousing.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachmentmeans comprises at least one attachment member extending outwardly fromthe housing and adapted for engaging a complimentary fastener attachedto a wall.
 11. A dispensing apparatus comprising: (a) a generallycylindrical housing; (b) a roll comprising a plurality of connectedindividual packages contained within the housing, wherein eachindividual package is connected to another individual package along aline of perforation; (c) a dispensing opening formed in the housing andadapted for dispensing one of the individual packages; and (d) at leastone attachment member adapted for attaching the housing to a supportstructure.
 12. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 11, whereinthe housing defines first and second opposed longitudinal ends, andfurther comprising a rotatable rod positioned in a first cavitypositioned proximate the first end of the housing and a second cavitypositioned proximate the second end of the housing, wherein therotatable rod supports the roll and facilitates rotation of the roll.13. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein eachindividual package contains at least one applicator wipe.
 14. Thedispensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the dispensingopening is defined by a dispensing lip extending outwardly from thehousing, the dispensing lip comprising a first edge section and a secondedge section in spaced apart relation and substantially parallel to thefirst edge section, the first and second edge sections defining a slitsized to receive one of the individual packages there through andfacilitating tearing of the individual package along the line ofperforation.
 15. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 14, whereinthe dispensing opening is further defined by a first cut away sectionformed in the housing, the first cut away section in communication withthe first edge section and defining a first exposed area exposing one ofthe individual packages contained within the housing, whereby a user canplace a first finger on said one of the individual packages.
 16. Thedispensing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the dispensingopening is further defined by a second cut away section formed in thehousing, the second cut away section in communication with the secondedge section and defining a second exposed area exposing said one of theindividual packages contained within the housing, whereby a user canplace a second finger on said one of the individual packages.
 17. Thedispensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least oneattachment member comprises first and second attachment memberspositioned on the housing about 180 degrees from the dispensing opening,each of the first and second attachment members defining an arcuatecavity adapted for receiving and releasably engaging an intravenoustubing line.
 18. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 17, whereinthe housing defines first and second opposed longitudinal ends, and theattachment means further comprises a first eyelet positioned on thehousing proximate the first longitudinal end and a second eyeletpositioned on the housing proximate the second longitudinal end.
 19. Thedispensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least oneattachment member comprises an eyelet positioned on the housing, andfurther comprising a fastening device containing a retractable cord,wherein the retractable cord is attached to the eyelet.
 20. A dispensingapparatus comprising: (a) a generally cylindrical housing comprisingfirst and second body sections, the first and second body sectionsreleasably attached to each other; (b) a roll contained within aninterior space of the housing, the roll comprising a plurality ofconnected individual packages; (c) a dispensing opening formed in thehousing and adapted for dispensing one of the individual packages; and(d) wherein the interior space of the housing can be accessed bydisengaging the first and second body sections.